Founded in 1744 by French Huguenots, Terre Haute Farm has been a vibrant part of the Huguenot Springs community for almost 300 years.
History
Terre Haute Farm has always played a vital role in its community. A dairy, vegetable, and horse farm, the property also contained a post office and general store.
Founded by French Huguenots in 1744, Terre Haute Farm has been in the same family for almost 200 years. Its current owner, Teresa Hudson, and her mother placed the farm in a conservation easement to ensure it will remain a green space for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity. A practitioner of meditation and yoga, Teresa recently added a meditation garden and embellished the grounds to encourage visitors to reconnect with nature and the sacred.
The farm’s mission has and will always be to provide others with that which nourishes both spirit and mind. Teresa’s great-grandparents and grandparents ran the general store on the farm, providing neighbors with everything from books to homemade cakes to millinery.
Much has changed since then, but through offerings such as meditation retreats and country teas, Teresa hopes to continue to provide sustenance for both soul and body here in the heart of Midlothian.
Who built Terre Haute Farm?
The LeSeurs, a family of French Huguenots, built a modest dwelling here in 1744 on land which was part of English King William III’s land grant to French Huguenot emigres in 1700. Revolutionary War veteran Col. Thomas Harris acquired the property at the turn of the 19th century and gave it to his son John, who added a “2 up 2 down” structure to the original home.
The house remained largely unchanged until 1990, when Jean Hudson added more rooms and completely restored the entire building. Most of the outbuildings were built by the LeSeur and Harris families.
At Terre Haute Farm, we’re proud to be a part of the local community and work closely with other farmers and producers. We hope to increase our educational and retreat offerings. Got an idea? We’d love to work with you!
Services
We offer a wide variety of services. Whether you come for afternoon tea, a retreat, to board a horse or to rent the manor house for a special occasion, we hope you’ll be renewed in body and soul by visiting our “High Land.”
FAQs
Who owns Terre Haute Farm and Retreat Center now?
In 2017 Teresa Hudson inherited the farm from her mother, Jean. It has been in their family since Col. Thomas Harris acquired the property around 1800. (John Harris’ wife, Sarah, was Teresa’s great-grandmother!)
How big is Terre Haute Farm?
The current farm comprises approximately 130 acres. A large portion of Terre Haute was acquired by the Virginia Department of Transportation for the construction of Rt. 288.
How many guests can the manor house accommodate?
There are 4 bedrooms (2 queens, 1 double, 2 twins). There is also a pull-out sofa which can accommodate 1 adult or 2 children.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, both the manor house and summer kitchen are equipped with high-speed wi-fi. The televisions are equipped with FIOS cable, and there’s a Sirius radio in the kitchen.
Can we hold a birthday party/shower at Terre Haute Farm? What about corporate retreats?
Yes, we can accommodate small parties; our summer kitchen, in particular, is fully outfitted with wi-fi and can seat 20-30. Call or email to enquire.
Is it possible to book a photo shoot at Terre Haute Farm?
Yes, we have many beautiful settings for a photo shoot. Call or email to enquire.
Can I get public transport to Terre Haute Farm?
No, unfortunately our area is not well-served by public transport. The closest train station is approximately 25 minutes away; the Richmond International Airport is approximately 35 minutes away. We are a couple of minutes from Rt. 288.
What kinds of nature can we see?
Woodlands, pastures, a creek and pond, mature trees, daffodils in March/April, dogwoods and redbuds in bloom in the spring, and beautiful fall foliage!
Enjoy a symphony of birdsong including cardinals, robins, wrens, bluebirds, mockingbirds, crows, titmice, meadowlarks, doves, turkey buzzards, Canadian geese, owls, hawks, bluejays, and more.
Deer, horses, donkeys, chickens, squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs….we have a lot of wildlife to see and enjoy!
What is there to do at Terre Haute Farm?
In addition to going on retreat, or enjoying quality time with your party, there are a wide range of activities you can partake in here: sit and read in the gazebo at the pond, meditate in the Stone Circle, walk or jog, observe wildlife, paint, draw, picnic, photograph, or do yoga!
Is there a gift shop or restaurant?
No, although we do offer farmhouse afternoon teas on certain weekends! See our Tea page for details.
Are there restaurants or attractions close by?
Yes, here are some ideas:
Parks: Mid-Lothian Mines Park (8.2 miles), Robious Landing Park (5.7 miles), Rockwood Park (13.3 miles), Three Lakes Park & Nature Center (27.8 miles), Deep Run Park & Recreation Center (11.2 miles) Maymont (21.6 miles)
Dining: Wild Ginger (3.8 miles), Sedona Taphouse (4.3 miles), Portico Restaurant (7.6 miles), The Hard Shell (8.1 miles), Mission BBQ (7.6 miles) Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (8.1 miles)
Attractions: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (21.3 miles), Science Museum of Virginia (22.8 miles), The Edgar Allan Poe Museum (24.0 miles), Virginia Holocaust Museum (24.0 miles), Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (25.5 miles), Virginia Capitol Building (23.4 miles), Carytown (many restaurants and shopping: 20.6 miles), Science Museum of Virginia (23.0), Metro Richmond Zoo (15.5 miles)
Event Venues: The National (23.6 miles), Richmond Coliseum (24.9 miles) Altria Theater (23.5 miles)
Historic Sites: Tuckahoe Plantation (9.4 miles), Richmond National Battlefield Park (23.2 miles), American Civil War Museum – Historic Tredegar (23.3 miles), Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site (23.3 miles), White House of the Confederacy (23.9 miles), Monument Avenue (23.1 miles)
